Readers are going to discover a real gem of a novel with author Lori Windows. Blending a historical past with a “modern” day era through her characters, this author creates a riveting storyline that will make Simiakia hard to put down. With a dynamic cast of characters – both human and animal alike, readers will find themselves enraptured by this novel.
Simiakia gives readers the impression that this is a western style novel with a cover that depicts a rugged background that mixes mountains with desert. In the far background, a mountain rises towards the sky. Near this mountain, to the left is a Native American warrior astride a horse.
As the terrain on the cover moves forward, we next notice the young Native American youth sitting front and center astride a reddish horse with a white blaze on the horse’s forehead. Next to the horse on the left is a dog with the semblance of a coyote. Some beautiful flora rounds out the scene by bringing some of the plains to round out the scenario of where the story will be taking place.
Simiakia starts off by introducing us readers to Celia Bolt back in the 1950s. This is the time period where Celia makes her debut into the world in Connecticut. Author Windows gives us a glimpse into Celia’s childhood and family life. Born to a rich family, she lacked nothing financially speaking, but what she didn’t have was a loving family. We get the sense that Celia is a bright young girl, but due to her family dysfunction, it impacts her mentally and emotionally.
We’re sure that you can guess, dear reader, that Celia finds a way to let her family know just how displeased she is with her circumstances. As Simiakia progresses author Windows allows readers to see that Celia is quickly going to reach her breaking point – and it’s going to be behind a boy. It all ends up pushing Celia to make a decision about her life and where things go from here…without the financial safety net of her family.
As Simiakia continues to progress readers will discover Celia’s windfall, and how it all helps transition the story to where things really are take place – in 1986 out west in Idaho. Things are relatively middling for Celia. She’s running a ranch, has found a pretty good man, and is doing something that she loves. She’s financially struggling, but things aren’t that bad. However, what happens when a violent act changes everything?
Author Windows is going to keep readers wondering when things are going to go left as Simiakia unfolds. We’ll get Celia and Morgan enjoying themselves, and going to a meeting (that Morgan would rather not go to). Author Windows will let readers get a better feel for this older Celia Bolt. Meanwhile, back home, Morgan’s dog Cantar, is about to face a dark situation that will leave you with your jaw…on the floor.
What unfolds from here moving forward in Simiakia will have readers glued to the pages. Cantar is out for revenge, Morgan is heartbroken, and Celia simply wants to stop anything more horrible from happening. You’ll understand Celia’s point of view to an extent, but you’ll also understand Morgan’s mindset as well. The problem is…the one who gets caught…isn’t the perpetrator of the horrors enacted. But, this is where readers will be introduced to young Al George.
Author Windows lets readers know that Al has been dealt a bad hand. He wears his grudge on is sleeve and has no qualms letting the world know he’s angry. A Nez Perce youth he doesn’t hold his heritage in high regard. As Simiakia progresses readers will get a better understanding as to why. Through masterful storytelling, author Windows encourages readers to exercise sympathy towards young Al.
Throughout Simiakia readers will see…and come to agree that Al isn’t the most likable character. But, he will grow on you. He shows a lot of back and forth throughout this book. You know the drill – two steps forward, three steps back. But his character growth will be interesting to witness.
Looking for that character that you’re going to love to hate? Well, author Windows has got you covered…twice over. The first character is a real monster, so be prepared to brace yourself. Of course, the second character you’ll find yourself despising won’t be far behind on the “evil meter”. As you read Simiakia you’ll understand why author Windows decided one was not enough.
In Simiakia, the animals aren’t simple “side characters.” The animals in Simiakia threaten to steal the spotlight more than once. These animals are showcased as having personalities, and feelings, and highly intelligent. If this were a fantasy novel, they’d have probably been able to talk, too. If you’re an animal lover, you’re going to love this book.
One big element of Simiakia are the “smoke” dreams that Al has. These dreams that author Windows has him having bring an air of mystery to this story. They will draw readers in as they give flashbacks to a past that Al should have no memory of. This aspect of the story will build a substantial amount of intrigue that will keep you coming back for more of this book.
Simiakia is a beautifully written novel that will truly surprise readers. The deeper you go into the story the more you’ll find yourself cheering for the success of the main characters. They each have their stories, their struggles, and dreams. You’ll want the best for them, but do will they be able to achieve it for themselves or will they fall short? It’s a delicate dance, but especially concerning Al.
Simiakia is told from the third-person point of view. The story cycles through the various characters readers will be introduced to. Each character brings something unique to the story, and will keep readers engaged in what will be unfolding on the page. Simiakia focuses heavily on Al, but that he is the focus of the story, so it makes sense.
A simple word of caution to readers who pick this book up – there is animal abuse on the page. This is not a “con” concerning this book. It is simply a note for readers to be aware of. These are pivotal details and elements of the story. They will tug at your heart, but they are also part of the driving force of Simiakia. Author Windows shoots for realism at every step with this novel, and achieves it by giving readers the nitty and the gritty. We get the good and the bad no matter how ugly it is.
One thing is for sure – and that is that as you read Simiakia, you are going to fall in love with one specific character. Who you ask? Folly. A gelding by the name of Folly. Trust us on this one. You are going to absolutely fall in love with this precious horse. Of course, Cantar will probably be a close second, with little Gambler coming in at third. LOL!
When you dive into this book you can expect romance, tons of drama, tension, and some heartbreak, but this book will grab you. Simiakia is a beautifully written novel that gives some insight into the Nez Perce and the struggles of one particular youth but surprises you with a dive into the past. Author Windows intends to blow your mind with a revelation at the end, and it is everything. Why do we say this? Because Al makes a huge discovery that makes him more proud of his heritage and its beautiful.
Readers who enjoy gripping dramatic novels will not want to miss out on author Windows’s Simiakia. This novel is an unexpected gem that will take you by surprise, but have you falling in love with this book. Packed with engaging characters and a storyline that never lets up Simiakia will be one you’ll find yourself wanting to pick up and reread again.
Pros:
- Gripping storyline
- Great cast of characters
- Packed with the right amount of detail
- Emotionally engaging
- Page-turner
- Fantastic world-building
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 
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